Apparatuses and Methods for Manufacturing a Structure

ABSTRACT

A structure ( 100 ) comprises a first panel ( 102 ); first stringers ( 106 ), coupled to the first panel ( 102 ) and comprising stringer pairs A; a second panel ( 104 ) opposite the first panel ( 102 ); and second stringers ( 108 ), coupled to the second panel ( 104 ) and opposite the first stringers ( 106 ). The second stringers ( 108 ) comprise stringer pairs B. The structure ( 100 ) also comprises braces ( 200 ). Each of the braces ( 200 ) is geometrically interlocked with one of the stringer pairs A of the first stringers ( 106 ) and one of the stringer pairs B of the second stringers ( 108 ) in all directions along a plane ( 112 ) perpendicular to the first stringers ( 106 ) and the second stringers ( 108 ).

BACKGROUND

Some structures may utilize numerous support members for bearing loadsand/or reacting thereto. The support members may form internal frames ofsuch structures. Support members may include, for example, various typesof beams, stiffeners, struts and/or braces. Paneling may be coupled tothe support members to cover the frames of the structures. Conventionalmanufacturing techniques of such structures require the use of a largenumber of mechanical fasteners, increasing manufacturing complexity,lead-time, and cost.

As one particular example, a wing structure of an aircraft typicallyutilizes numerous elongated stiffeners (commonly referred to asstringers), extending the length of the wing, and braces (commonlyreferred to as ribs), interconnecting the stringers, which incombination at least partially define the frame of the wing. Exteriorpanels (commonly referred to as skins) are connected to the frame. Wingstructures may require thousands of close-tolerance fasteners to connectthe ribs to the stringers and the skins to the stringers and/or theribs.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods, intended to address at least theabove-identified concerns, would find utility.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may notbe claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a structure comprisinga first panel; first stringers coupled to the first panel and comprisingstringer pairs A; a second panel opposite the first panel; and secondstringers, coupled to the second panel and opposite the first stringers.The second stringers comprise stringer pairs B. The structure alsocomprises braces. Each of the braces is geometrically interlocked withone of the stringer pairs A of the first stringers and one of thestringer pairs B of the second stringers in all directions along a planeperpendicular to the first stringers and the second stringers.

Another example of the present disclosure relates to a brace forgeometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers, coupledto a first panel, and stringer pairs B of second stringers, coupled to asecond panel, of a structure. The brace comprises a chassis comprisingfirst interlocks and second interlocks opposite the first interlocks.The first interlocks geometrically engage with one of the stringer pairsA of the first stringers and the second interlocks geometrically engagewith one of the stringer pairs B of the second stringers to constrainthe brace in all directions along a plane perpendicular to the firststringers and the second stringers.

Yet another example of the present disclosure relates to a method formanufacturing a structure comprising a first panel and a second panel.The method comprises interconnecting the first panel and the secondpanel by geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers,coupled to the first panel, with stringer pairs B of second stringers,coupled to the second panel, in all directions along a planeperpendicular to the first stringers and the second stringers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described examples of the present disclosure in generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like referencecharacters designate the same or similar parts throughout the severalviews, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a structure, according to one or moreexamples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a brace of the structure of FIG. 1,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cutaway view of a portion of thestructure of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the structure ofFIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 1,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal-section view of the structure of FIG.1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the structure ofFIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the brace of FIG. 2, accordingto one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the brace of FIG. 2, accordingto one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the brace of FIG. 2,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic partial side elevation view of one of the firststringers and the brace of the structure of FIG. 1, according to one ormore examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic partial side elevation view of one of the secondstringers and the brace of the structure of FIG. 1, according to one ormore examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a first portion of a block diagram of a method formanufacturing the structure of FIG. 1, according to one or more examplesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a second portion of a block diagram of the method formanufacturing the structure of FIG. 1, according to one or more examplesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of one brace being geometricallyinterlocked with a stringer pair A of first stringers and a stringerpair B of second stringers of the structure of FIG. 1, according to oneor more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of another brace being geometricallyinterlocked with another stringer pair A of first stringers and anotherstringer pair B of second stringers of the structure of FIG. 1,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of aircraft production and servicemethodology; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIGS. 1 and 2, referred to above, solid lines, if any, connectingvarious elements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical,fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinationsthereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associated directly as well asindirectly. For example, a member A may be directly associated with amember B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via anothermember C. It will be understood that not all relationships among thevarious disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly,couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may alsoexist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting blocks designating the variouselements and/or components represent couplings similar in function andpurpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplingsrepresented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided ormay relate to alternative examples of the present disclosure. Likewise,elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines,indicate alternative examples of the present disclosure. One or moreelements shown in solid and/or dashed lines may be omitted from aparticular example without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dottedlines. Virtual imaginary elements may also be shown for clarity. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2 may be combined in various ways without the need toinclude other features described in FIGS. 1 and 2, other drawingfigures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though suchcombination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein.Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented,may be combined with some or all of the features shown and describedherein.

In FIGS. 13 and 16, referred to above, the blocks may representoperations and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the variousblocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operationsor portions thereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicatealternative operations and/or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any,connecting the various blocks represent alternative dependencies of theoperations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not alldependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarilyrepresented. FIGS. 13 and 16 and the accompanying disclosure describingthe operations of the methods set forth herein should not be interpretedas necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to beperformed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it isto be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modifiedwhen appropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in adifferent order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in theart will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may bepracticed without some or all of these particulars. In other instances,details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will bedescribed in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understoodthat these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Reference herein to “one example” means that one or more feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example isincluded in at least one implementation. The phrase “one example” invarious places in the specification may or may not be referring to thesame example.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may or may not be claimed,of the subject matter according the present disclosure are providedbelow.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 1-4, structure 100 is disclosed. Structure 100comprises first panel 102. Structure 100 further comprises firststringers 106, coupled to first panel 102 and comprising stringer pairsA. Additionally, structure 100 comprises second panel 104, oppositefirst panel 102, and second stringers 108, coupled to second panel 104and opposite first stringers 106. Second stringers 108 comprise stringerpairs B. Structure 100 also comprises braces 200. Each of braces 200 isgeometrically interlocked with one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 in alldirections along plane 112 perpendicular to first stringers 106 andsecond stringers 108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 1 of the present disclosure.

Geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andstringer pairs B of second stringers with braces 200 significantlyreduces, if not eliminates, the need to mechanically fasten braces 200to first stringers 106 and/or second stringers 108 and/or braces 200 tofirst panel 102 and/or second panel 104 and, thus, significantly reducesthe time, expense, complexity and/or difficulty in manufacturing (e.g.,assembly of) structure 100.

As one example, structure 100 is a wing of an aircraft, for example,aircraft 1102 illustrated FIG. 15. First panel 102 and second panel 104are skin panels. First stringers 106 and second stringers 108 areelongated stiffeners of the wing. First stringers 106 and secondstringers 108 transfer loads acting on first panel 102 and/or secondpanel 104, for example, aerodynamic loads onto an airframe of theaircraft. Braces 200 are ribs of the wing. Braces 200 interconnect firstpanel 102 and second panel 104, for example, via mechanicallyinterlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairsB of second stringers 108. Braces 200 transfer shear compression forcesand/or pull-off load forces acting one first panel 102 and/or secondpanel 104. For example, braces 200 transfer shear compression forcesand/or pull-off load forces without the need for fasteners directlycoupling braces 200 to first panel 102 and/or second panel 104, forexample, fasteners disposed through first panel 102 and/or second panel104 and fastened to braces 200.

As one example, braces 200 appropriately position first panel 102relative to second panel 104. For example, braces 200 maintain (e.g.,incorporate or define) the shape of structure 100. For instance, braces200 maintain the shape of the wing. As one example, braces 200 define athickness of structure 100, for example, a thickness of the wing of theaircraft. As one example, structure 100 (e.g., the wing) is asymmetrical (e.g., structure 100 includes a constant thickness in one orboth of longitudinal direction 124 and/or lateral direction 124). As oneexample, the wing includes a box shape. As one example, structure 100(e.g., the wing) is asymmetrical (e.g., structure 100 includes a varyingthickness in one or both of longitudinal direction 124 and/or lateraldirection 124). As one example, the wing includes an airfoil shape.Other shapes of the wing (e.g., of structure 100) are also contemplated.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, firststringers 106 extend in a spanwise direction of the wing. Secondstringers 108 extend in the spanwise direction of the wing. Each one offirst stringers 106, for example, of stringer pairs A, is spaced apartfrom another one of first stringers 106, for example, of stringer pairsA, in a chordwise direction of the wing. Each one of second stringers108, for example, of stringer pairs B, is spaced apart from another oneof second stringers 108, for example, of stringer pairs B, in thechordwise direction of the wing.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, each one of firststringers 106, for example, of stringer pairs A, and each one of secondstringers 108, for example, of stringer pairs B, are directly oppositeto one another, for example, in the chordwise direction. As one example(not explicitly illustrated), each one of first stringers 106, forexample, of stringer pairs A, and each one of second stringers 108, forexample, of stringer pairs B, are slightly offset from one another, forexample, in the chordwise direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, as one example, different ones of stringerpairs A share a common one of first stringers 106. Similarly, differentones of stringer pairs B share a common one of second stringers 108. Asone example, different ones of stringer pairs A do not share a commonone of first stringers 106 and/or different ones of stringer pairs B donot share a common one of second stringers 108.

As one example, each of first panel 102 and/or second panel 104 isformed of a metal material. As one example, each of first panel 102and/or second panel 104 is formed of a composite material. As oneexample, at least one of first panel 102 and/or second panel 104 isformed of one of a metal material or a composite material. Othermaterials and/or combination of material are also contemplated.

As one example, each of first stringers 106 and/or second stringers 108is formed of a metal material. As one example, each of first stringers106 and/or second stringers 108 is formed of a composite material. Asone example, at least one of first stringers 106 and/or second stringers108 is formed of one of a metal material or a composite material. Othermaterials and/or combination of material are also contemplated.

As one example construction, first stringers 106 and first panel 102 aremechanically coupled (e.g., fastened together) and/or second stringers108 and second panel 104 are mechanically coupled (e.g., fastenedtogether).

As one example construction, first stringers 106 and first panel 102 aresecondarily bonded (e.g., adhesively bonded together) and/or secondstringers 108 and second panels 104 are secondarily bonded (e.g.,adhesively bonded together).

As one example construction, first stringers 106 and first panel 102 areco-bonded (e.g., a co-bonded composite) and/or second stringers 108 andsecond panels 104 are co-bonded (e.g., a co-bonded composite).

As one example construction, first stringers 106 and first panel 102 areco-cured (e.g., a co-cured composite) and/or second stringers 108 andsecond panels 104 are co-cured (e.g., a co-cured composite). As oneexample, first stringers 106 are three-dimensional composite stitched tofirst panel 102 and/or second stringers 108 are three-dimensionalcomposite stitched to second panel 104.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the particular techniqueused to couple first stringers 106 to first panel 102 and/or secondstringers 108 to second panel 104 may depend upon various factors, forexample, the material of first panel 102, second panel 104, firststringers 106 and/or second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 4,each of braces 200 comprises chassis 202. Chassis 202 comprises firstinterlocks 204 and second interlocks 206 opposite first interlocks 204.First interlocks 204 are geometrically engaged with one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 and second interlocks 206 aregeometrically engaged with one of stringer pairs B of second stringers108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 includes thesubject matter of example 1, above.

Geometrically engaging first interlocks 204 of each of braces 200 withone of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and geometricallyengaging second interlocks 206 of each of braces 200 with one ofstringer pairs B of second stringers 108 constrains each of braces 200in all directions along plane 112 without the need to fasten each ofbraces 200 to first stringers 106 and/or second stringers 108.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 4, braces 200 areconfigured (e.g., suitably sized and/or shaped) to engage (e.g., makesurface contact with) only stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andonly stringer pairs B of second stringers 108. As one example, opposedends, for example, first end 214 and/or second end 216 of each of braces200 (FIGS. 8-10), extend proximate (e.g., at or near) first panel 102and/or second panel 104 but do not make surface contact with first panel102 and/or second panel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 5, braces 200 areconfigured (e.g., suitably sized and/or shaped) to engage (e.g., makesurface contact with) stringer pairs A of first stringers 106, firstpanel 102, stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 and second panel104. As one example, opposed ends, for example, first end 214 and/orsecond end 216 of each of braces 200 (FIGS. 8-10), extend to first panel102 and/or second panel 104 and make surface contact with first panel102 and/or second panel 104.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3-5, structure 100 further comprises first end 114 and second end 116opposed to first end 114. Structure 100 also comprises first side 118and second side 120 opposed to first side 118. First stringers 106 andsecond stringers 108 extend in longitudinal direction 122 between firstend 114 and second end 116. Braces 200 comprise row 208 of braces 200extending in lateral direction 124 between first side 118 and secondside 120. Row 208 of braces 200 comprises at least one of braces 200.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 includes the subject matterof example 2, above.

Geometrically interlocking a plurality of first stringers 106 (e.g., aplurality of stringer pairs A) and a plurality of second stringers 108(e.g., a plurality of stringer pairs B) with row 208 of braces 200reduces the time, expense, complexity and/or difficulty in manufacturing(e.g., assembly of) structure 100.

As one example, structure 100 is the wing of the aircraft and lateraldirection 124 of structure 100 is the chordwise direction of the wing.As one example, structure 100 (e.g., the wing) includes a lateraldimension (e.g., a width).

As one example, row 208 of braces 200 appropriately positions firstpanel 102 relative to second panel 104. As one example, row 208 ofbraces 200 maintains (e.g., incorporates or defines) the shape ofstructure 100 in lateral direction 124. For instance, row 208 of braces200 maintains the shape of the wing in the chordwise direction. As oneexample, row 208 of braces 200 defines a thickness of structure 100 inlateral direction 124, for example, a thickness of the wing of theaircraft in the chordwise direction. As one example, row 208 of braces200 transfers tension loads and/or compression loads between first panel102 and second panel 106, for example, along lateral direction 124.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4and 5, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 is coupled to anotherone of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200. The preceding subject matterof this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure,wherein example 4 includes the subject matter of example 3, above.

Coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 to another one ofbraces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 secures the one of braces 200 of row208 of braces 200 to prevent movement of the one of braces 200 of row208 of braces 200 relative to the another one of braces 200 of row 208of braces 200.

As one example, one of braces 200 is coupled to another one of braces200 laterally adjacent (e.g., in lateral direction 124) to the one ofbraces 200.

As one example, coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 constrains movementof the one of braces 200 and/or the other one of braces 200 in anydirection disposed at a non-zero angle relative to plane 112.

As one example, coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 prevents movement ofthe one of braces 200 in a direction generally parallel to firststringers 106 and second stringers 108.

As one example, coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 prevents movement ofthe one of braces 200 in a direction generally perpendicular to plane112.

As one example, coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 prevents angularmovement of the one of braces 200 relative to the another one of braces200.

As one example, coupling each one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200together, for example, to another one of laterally adjacent braces 200forms a rigid row 208 of braces 200 in lateral direction 124.

As one example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 ismechanically coupled to another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces200. As one example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 andanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 are mechanicallyfastened, for example, by a plurality of fasteners (illustrated but notexplicitly identified in FIG. 5).

As one example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 and anotherone of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 are adhesively bondedtogether.

As one example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 is otherwiserigidly joined to another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200. Asone example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 is welded toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200.

As one example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 is coupled toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 by a combination ofcoupling techniques, for example, mechanically fastening and adhesivelybonding.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 3and 5, structure 100 further comprises first spar 126 coupled to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 along first side 118 of structure 100.Structure 100 also comprises second spar 128 coupled to first panel 102and second panel 104 along second side 120 of structure 100. Row 208 ofbraces 200 is coupled to first spar 126 and second spar 128. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 5 includes the subject matter ofany of examples 3 or 4, above.

Coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to first panel 102 andsecond panel 104 encloses structure 100, for example, along first side118 and second side 120 of structure 100, respectively, and addsrigidity to structure 100. Coupling row 208 of braces 200 to first spar126 and second spar 128 prevents movement of row 208 of braces 200 andadds rigidity and load bearing capabilities to structure 100.

As one example, coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 and coupling row 208 of braces 200maintains the relative position of first panel 102 and second panel 104.As one example, coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 and coupling row 208 of braces 200transfers tension loads and/or compression loads between first panel 102and second panel 106.

As one example, a space between first panel 102 and second panel 104 atfirst end 118 and second end 120 of structure 100 are initially open,for example, prior to and during installation of braces 200 and/or row208 of braces 200. First spar 126 and second spar 128 cover the openspace between first panel 102 and second panel 104 at first end 118 andsecond end 120 of structure 100 to complete manufacture (e.g., assembly)of structure 100.

As one example construction, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7,each of first spar 126 and second spar 128 is a C-shaped spar. As oneexample, first spar 126 and second spar 128 include wall portion 152,first tab portion 154 extending from an end of wall portion 152 andsecond tab portion 156 extending from an opposed end of wall portion152, for example, opposite first tab portion 154. Wall portion 152extends between first panel 102 and second panel 104, for example,covering the open space between first panel 102 and second panel 104.First tab portion 154 is coupled to first panel 102. Second tab portion154 is coupled to second panel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, first spar 126at least partially surrounds first panel 102 and second panel 104 atfirst side 118. Second spar 128 at least partially surrounds first panel102 and second panel 104 at second side 120. While FIG. 7 explicitlyillustrates only first spar 126, second spar 128 may be the same asfirst spar 126. As one example, first tab portion 154 of first spar 126is in surface contact with and is coupled to exterior surface 158 offirst panel 102, for example, proximate (e.g., at or near) first side118 of structure 100. Second tab portion 156 of first spar 126 is insurface contact with and is coupled to exterior surface 160 of secondpanel 104, for example, proximate first side 118 of structure 100. Asone example, first tab portion 154 of second spar 128 is in surfacecontact with and is coupled to exterior surface 158 of first panel 102,for example, proximate second side 120 of structure 100. Second tabportion 156 of second spar 128 is in surface contact with and is coupledto exterior surface 160 of second panel 104, for example, proximatesecond side 120 of structure 100.

As one example (not explicitly illustrated), first spar 126 fits betweenfirst panel 102 and second panel 104 at first side 118. Second spar 128fits between first panel 102 and second panel 104 at second side 120. Asone example, first tab portion 154 of first spar 126 is in surfacecontact with and is coupled to interior surface 162 of first panel 102,for example, proximate first side 118 of structure 100. Second tabportion 156 of first spar 126 is in surface contact with and is coupledto interior surface 164 of second panel 104, for example, proximatefirst side 118 of structure 100. As one example, first tab portion 154of second spar 128 is in surface contact with and is coupled to interiorsurface 162 of first panel 102, for example, proximate second side 120of structure 100. Second tab portion 156 of second spar 128 is insurface contact with and is coupled to interior surface 164 of secondpanel 104, for example, proximate second side 120 of structure 100.

As one example, first spar 126 and second spar 128 are adhesively bondedto first panel 102 and second panel 104. As one example, and as bestillustrated in FIG. 7, adhesive 166 is applied between first tab portion154 and exterior surface 158 of first panel 102 and adhesive 166 isapplied between second tab portion 156 and exterior surface 160 ofsecond panel 104. As one example (not explicitly illustrated), adhesive166 is applied between first tab portion 154 and interior surface 162 offirst panel 102 and adhesive 166 is applied between second tab portion156 and interior surface 164 of second panel 104.

As one general, non-limiting example, adhesive 166 is an epoxy-basedadhesive. As one example, adhesive 166 is in and/or is applied as aliquid form. For example, adhesive 166 in the liquid form may be appliedwith a brush or a roller to interface areas (e.g., between at least oneof first spar 126, first panel 102, and/or second panel 104 and betweenat least one of second spar 128, first panel 102, and/or second panel104). As one example, adhesive 166 is in and/or is applied as a sheet orfilm form. For example, adhesive 166 is in the sheet or film form may becut (e.g., die cut) into an appropriate shape and applied to interfaceareas (e.g., between at least one of first spar 126, first panel 102,and/or second panel 104 and between at least one of second spar 128,first panel 102, and/or second panel 104).

As one specific, non-limiting example, adhesive 166 is Scotch-Weld™structural film adhesive commercially available from 3M™ Corporation ofSt. Paul, Minn. As one specific, non-limiting example, adhesive 166 isHysol® PL 696™ structural film adhesive commercially available fromHenkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.

As one example, adhesive 166 may be applied to the interface areasmanually. As one example, adhesive 166 may be applied to the interfaceareas by an automated system, for example, a robotic arm with anapplication specific end effector (not illustrated).

As one example, adhesive 166 is cured during a curing process. As oneexample, the curing process may be a high-temperature curing process. Asone example, the curing process may be a medium-temperature curingprocess. As one example, the curing process may be an autoclave curingprocess. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the particularcuring process may depend on various factors, for example, the selectedformulation of adhesive 166.

As one example, first spar 126 and second spar 128 are mechanicallycoupled to first panel 102 and second panel 104. As one example, firsttab portion 154 is mechanically fastened to first panel 102, forexample, by fasteners (not illustrated) and second tab portion 156 ismechanically fastened to second panel 104, for example, by fasteners(not illustrated).

As one example, first spar 126 and second spar 128 are otherwise rigidlyjoined to first panel 102 and second panel 104. As one example, firsttab portion 154 is welded to first panel 102 and second tab portion 156is welded to second panel 104.

As one example, first spar 126 and second spar 128 are coupled to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 by a combination of coupling techniques,for example, mechanically fastening and adhesively bonding.

As one example, each of first spar 126 and/or second spar 128 is formedof a metal material. As one example, each of first spar 126 and/orsecond spar 128 is formed of a composite material. As one example, atleast one of first spar 126 and/or second spar 128 is formed of one of ametal material or a composite material. Other materials and/orcombination of material are also contemplated.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the particular techniqueused to couple first spar 126 to first panel 102 and second panel 104and/or second spar 128 to first panel 102 and second panel 104 maydepend upon various factors, for example, the material of first panel102, second panel 104, first spar 126 and/or second spar 128.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3, 5, and 7, structure 100 further comprises two end braces 210. A firstone of two end braces 210 is coupled to one of braces 200 of row 208 ofbraces 200 and a second one of two end braces 210 is coupled to anotherone of braces 200 of row 208. The first one of two end braces 210 iscoupled to first spar 126 and the second one of two end braces 210 iscoupled to second spar 128. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 6 includes the subject matter of example 5, above.

Coupling one of two end braces 210 between row 208 of braces 200 andeach one of first spar 126 and second spar 128 interconnects row 208 ofbraces 200 and first spar 126 and second spar 128 to prevent movement ofrow 208 of braces 200 and add rigidity and load bearing capabilities tostructure 100.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 5, each one of two endbraces 210 is coupled to an outermost one of braces 200, for example,opposed in lateral direction 124, of row 208 of braces 200. As oneexample, the outermost one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 isbrace 200 geometrically interlocked with outermost stringer pair A andoutermost stringer pair B, for example, stringer pair A and stringerpair B closest to first side 118 and second side 120, respectively.

As one example, each one of two end braces 210 is mechanically coupledto one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200. As one example, each oneof two end braces 210 and one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 aremechanically fastened, for example, by a plurality of fasteners(illustrated but not explicitly identified in FIGS. 5 and 7).

As one example, each one of two end braces 210 and one of braces 200 ofrow 208 of braces 200 are adhesively bonded together.

As one example, each one of two end braces 210 is otherwise rigidlyjoined to one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200. As one example,each one of two end braces 210 and one of braces 200 of row 208 ofbraces 200 are welded together.

As one example, each one of two end braces 210 is coupled to one ofbraces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 by a combination of couplingtechniques, for example, mechanically fastening and adhesively bonding.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 7, each one of two endbraces 210 includes one first interlock 204 geometrically engaged withone of first stringers 106 of the outermost stringer pair A and onesecond interlock 204 geometrically engaged with one of second stringers108 of outermost stringer pair B.

As one example (not explicitly illustrated), each one of two end braces210 does not geometrically engage or otherwise contact the one of firststringers 106 of the outermost stringer pair A or the one of secondstringers 108 of outermost stringer pair B.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, each one oftwo end braces 210 is configured (e.g., suitably sized and/or shaped) toengage (e.g., make surface contact with) only the one of first stringers106 of the outermost stringer pair A or the one of second stringers 108of outermost stringer pair B. As one example, opposed ends of each oneof two end braces 210 extend proximate (e.g., at or near) first panel102 and/or second panel 104 but do not make surface contact with firstpanel 102 and/or second panel 104.

As one example (not explicitly illustrated), each one of two end braces210 is configured (e.g., suitably sized and/or shaped) to engage (e.g.,make surface contact with) the one of first stringers 106 of theoutermost stringer pair A, first panel 102, the one of second stringers108 of outermost stringer pair B and second panel 104. As one example,opposed ends of each one of two end braces 210 extend to first panel 102and/or second panel 104 and make surface contact with first panel 102and/or second panel 104.

As one example (not explicitly illustrated), each one of two end braces210 is configured (e.g., suitably sized and/or shaped) to engage (e.g.,make surface contact with) only first panel 102 and second panel 104 andnot engage the one of first stringers 106 of the outermost stringer pairA or the one of second stringers 108 of outermost stringer pair B andsecond panel 104. As one example, each one of two end braces 210 do notinclude first interlock 204 or second interlock 206 and opposed ends ofeach one of two end braces 210 extend to first panel 102 and/or secondpanel 104 and make surface contact with first panel 102 and/or secondpanel 104.

As one example, each one of two end braces 210 is formed of a metalmaterial. As one example, each one of two end braces 210 is formed of acomposite material. As one example, at least one of two end braces 210is formed of one of a metal material or a composite material. Othermaterials and/or combination of material are also contemplated.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the particular techniqueused to couple each one of two end braces 210 to one of braces 200 ofrow 208 of braces 200 may depend upon various factors, for example, thematerial of two end braces 210 and/or the one of braces 200 of row 208of braces 200.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3, 5, and 7, first spar 126 comprises first spar flanges 130 and secondspar 128 comprises second spar flanges 132. The first one of two endbraces 210 is joined to one of first spar flanges 130 of first spar 126and the second one of two end braces 210 is joined to one of second sparflanges 132 of second spar 128. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 7 includes the subject matter of example 6, above.

First spar flanges 130 enables coupling of one of two end braces 210 tofirst spar 126 and second spar flanges 132 enable coupling of an opposedone of two end braces 210 in order to couple row 208 of braces 200 tofirst spar 126 and second spar 128.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, first sparflanges 130 extend inwardly through the open space defined between firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 at first side 118. Second spar flanges132 extend inwardly through the open space defined between first panel102 and second panel 104 at second side 120. As one example, first sparflanges 130 extend, for example, perpendicularly, from wall portion 152of first spar 126. Second spar flanges 132 extend, for example,perpendicularly, from wall portion 152 of second spar 126.

As one example, one of two end braces 210 is mechanically coupled to oneof first spar flanges 130 of first spar 126 and another one of two endbraces 210 is mechanically coupled to one of second spar flanges 132 ofsecond spar 128. As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and7, one of two end braces 210 and one of first spar flanges 130 of firstspar 126 are mechanically fastened together, for example, by a pluralityof fasteners (illustrated but not explicitly identified in FIGS. 5 and7) and another one of two end braces 210 and one of second spar flanges132 of second spar 128 are mechanically fastened together, for example,by a plurality of fasteners (illustrated but not explicitly identifiedin FIG. 5).

As one example, one of two end braces 210 is adhesively bonded to one offirst spar flanges 130 of first spar 126 and another one of two endbraces 210 is adhesively bonded to one of second spar flanges 132 ofsecond spar 128.

As one example, one of two end braces 210 is otherwise rigidly joined toone of first spar flanges 130 of first spar 126 and another one of twoend braces 210 is otherwise rigidly joined to one of second spar flanges132 of second spar 128. As one example, one of two end braces 210 andone of first spar flanges 130 of first spar 126 are welded together andanother one of two end braces 210 and one of second spar flanges 132 ofsecond spar 128 are welded together.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the particular techniqueused to couple two end braces 210 to first spar 126 and second spar 128may depend upon various factors, for example, the material of two endbraces 210, first spar 126 and/or second spar 128.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3-6, structure 100 further comprises first end 114 and second end 116opposed to first end 114. Structure 100 also comprises first side 118and second side 120 opposed to first side 118. First stringers 106 andsecond stringers 108 extend in longitudinal direction 122 between firstend 114 and second end 116. Braces 200 comprise rows 208 of braces 200.Each of rows 208 of braces 200 extends in lateral direction 124 betweenfirst side 118 and second side 120. Rows 208 are arranged in array 212,extending in longitudinal direction 122 between first end 114 and secondend 116, and each of rows 208 of braces 200 comprises at least one ofbraces 200. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 includes thesubject matter of example 2, above.

Arranging rows 208 in array 212 spans a length of structure 100 inlongitudinal direction 122. Geometrically interlocking a plurality offirst stringers 106 (e.g., a plurality of stringer pairs A) and aplurality of second stringers 108 (e.g., a plurality of stringer pairsB) with array 212 of rows 208 of braces 200 maintains the shape ofstructure and add rigidity and load bearing capabilities to structure100.

As one example, structure 100 is the wing of the aircraft andlongitudinal direction 122 of structure 100 is the spanwise direction ofthe wing. As one example, structure 100 (e.g., the wing) includes alongitudinal dimension (e.g., a length).

As one example, array 212 of rows 208 of braces 200 appropriatelypositions first panel 102 relative to second panel 104. As one example,array 212 of rows 208 of braces 200 maintains (e.g., incorporates ordefines) the shape of structure 100 in longitudinal direction. Forinstance, array 212 of rows 208 of braces 200 maintains the shape of thewing in the spanwise direction. As one example, array 212 of rows 208 ofbraces 200 defines the thickness of structure 100 in longitudinaldirection 122, for example, the thickness of the wing of the aircraft inthe spanwise direction. As one example, array 212 of rows 208 of braces200 transfers tension loads and/or compression loads between first panel102 and second panel 106, for example, along longitudinal direction 122.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 6, each one of rows 208in array 212 of rows 208 is spaced apart from another one of rows 208 inarray 212 off rows 208 in longitudinal direction 122. As one example,array 212 of rows 208 extends from proximate (e.g., at or near) firstend 114 to proximate second end 116.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4and 5, one of braces 200 of each of rows 208 of braces 200 is coupled toanother one of braces 200 laterally adjacent to the at least one ofbraces 200. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 includes thesubject matter of example 8, above.

Coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 of array 212 toanother one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 of array 212 securesthe one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 to prevent movement ofthe one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 relative to the anotherone of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 3and 5, structure 100 further comprises first spar 126 coupled to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 along first side 118 of structure 100.Structure 100 also comprises second spar 128 coupled to first panel 102and second panel 104 along second side 120 of structure 100. Each ofrows 208 of braces 200 is coupled to first spar 126 and second spar 128.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 includes the subjectmatter of any of examples 8 or 9, above.

Coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to first panel 102 andsecond panel 104 encloses structure 100, for example, along first side118 and second side 120 of structure 100, respectively, and addsrigidity to structure 100. Coupling each of rows 208 of braces 200 tofirst spar 126 and second spar 128 prevents movement of each of rows 208of braces 200 and adds rigidity and load bearing capabilities tostructure 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 5and 7, structure 100 further comprises two end braces 210. One of thetwo end braces 210 is coupled to one of braces 200 of one of rows 208 ofbraces 200 and another one of the two end braces 210 is coupled toanother one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208. A first one of the twoend braces 210 is coupled to first spar 126 and a second one of the twoend braces 210 is coupled to second spar 128. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 11 includes the subject matter of example10, above.

Coupling one of two end braces 210 between one of rows 208 of braces 200and each one of first spar 126 and second spar 128 interconnects the oneof rows 208 of braces 200 and first spar 126 and second spar 128 toprevent movement of the one of rows 208 of braces 200 and add rigidityand load bearing capabilities to structure 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3, 5 and 7, first spar 126 comprises first spar flanges 130 and secondspar 128 comprises second spar flanges 132. The first one of the two endbraces 210 is joined to one of first spar flanges 130 of first spar 126and the second one of the two end braces 210 is joined to one of secondspar flanges 132 of second spar 128. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure,wherein example 12 includes the subject matter of example 11, above.

First spar flanges 130 enables coupling of one of two end braces 210 tofirst spar 126 and second spar flanges 132 enable coupling of an opposedone of two end braces 210 in order to couple each one of rows 208 ofbraces 200 to first spar 126 and second spar 128.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 5,structure 100 further comprises hermetic seal 134 between at least twoof rows 208 of braces 200 and first panel 102, second panel 104, firststringers 106, second stringers 108, first spar 126, and second spar128. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 includes thesubject matter of any of examples 11 or 12, above.

Applying hermetic seal 134 between at least two of rows 208 of braces200 and first panel 102, second panel 104, first stringers 106, secondstringers 108, first spar 126, and second spar 128 tightly closes andunites the at least two of rows 208 of braces 200 and first panel 102,second panel 104, first stringers 106, second stringers 108, first spar126, and second spar 128.

As one example, hermetic seal 134 is formed between and around anycommon contact surfaces of at least two of rows 208 of braces 200 andfirst panel 102, second panel 104, first stringers 106, second stringers108, first spar 126, and second spar 128.

As one example, hermetic seal 134 is a liquid-impermeable seal (e.g., afluid-tight seal). As one example, hermetic seal 134 is agas-impermeable seal (e.g., an air-tight seal).

As one general, non-limiting example, hermetic seal 134 is an adhesive.As one general, non-limiting example, hermetic seal 134 is rubbersealant. As one general, non-limiting example, hermetic seal 134 is asilicone sealant. As one general, non-limiting example, hermetic seal134 is a fluorosilicone sealant. As one specific, non-limiting example,hermetic seal 134 is 730 FS solvent resistant sealant commerciallyavailable from Dow Corning® Corporation of Midland, Mich.

As one example, hermetic seal 134 is applied (e.g., manually or by anautomated system) by brushing hermetic seal 134 into the corners of partinterfaces, for example, everywhere there are gaps or crevices throughwhich fuel could seep.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 5,hermetic seal 134 is also between braces 200 of the at least two of rows208 of braces 200. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14includes the subject matter of example 13, above.

Applying hermetic seal 134 between braces 200 of at least two of rows208 of braces 200 tightly closes and unites braces 200 of the at leasttwo of rows 208 of braces 200.

As one example, hermetic seal 134 is formed between and around anycommon contact surfaces of each one of braces 200 and another one ofbraces 200 laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200 of the at leasttwo rows 208 of braces 200.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 6, the at least two rows208 of braces 200 that are hermetically sealed (e.g., hermetic seal 134is applied between at least two of rows 208 of braces 200 and firstpanel 102, second panel 104, first stringers 106, second stringers 108,first spar 126, and second spar 128 and between braces 200 of the atleast two of rows 208 of braces 200) form a sealed compartment 168within an interior of structure 100. As one example, the at least tworows 208 of braces 200 that are hermetically sealed form a sealed fuelcompartment (e.g., compartment 168) within the wing of the aircraft.

As one example, the at least two rows 208 of braces 200 that arehermetically sealed are longitudinally adjacent rows 208 of braces 200of array 212 of rows 208.

As one example, at least one of rows 208 of array 212 of rows 208 isdisposed between the at least two rows 208 of braces 200 that arehermetically sealed. The at least one of rows 208 of array 212 of rows208 disposed between the at least two rows 208 of braces 200 that arehermetically sealed is configured to allow fuel to pass through the atleast one of rows 208 of array 212 of rows 208 disposed between the atleast two rows 208 of braces 200 that are hermetically sealed.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4and 8-10, each of braces 200 further comprises first end 214 and secondend 216, opposite first end 214. Each of braces 200 also comprises firstside 218, extending between first end 214 and second end 214, and secondside 220, extending between first end 214 and second end 214 oppositefirst side 218. Additionally, each of braces 200 comprises two firstcorners 222, adjacent first end 214, and two second corners 224,adjacent second end 216. A first one of first interlocks 204 is locatedat one of two first corners 222 of each of braces 200 and a second oneof first interlocks 204 is located at another one of two first corners222 of each of braces 200. A first one of second interlocks 206 islocated at one of two second corners 224 of each of braces 200 and thesecond one of second interlocks 206 is located at another one of twosecond corners 224 of each of braces 200. The preceding subject matterof this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure,wherein example 15 includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-14,above.

First interlocks 204 being located at opposing two first corners 222 andsecond interlocks 206 being located at opposing two second corners 224appropriately positions first interlocks 204 relative to one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 to geometrically engage the one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and appropriately positionssecond interlocks 206 relative to one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108, opposite the one of stringer pairs A, to geometricallyengage the one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

As one example, one of two first corners 222 is formed by first end 214and first side 218, another one of two first corners 222 is formed byfirst end 214 and second side 220, one of two second corners 224 isformed by second end 216 and first side 218, and another one of twosecond corners 224 is formed by second end 216 and second side 220.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 4, first end 214 extendscompletely between one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 togeometrically engage each one of first interlocks 204 with the one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 (e.g., place each one of firstinterlocks 204 in surface contact with the one of stringer pairs A offirst stringers 106). Second end 216 extends completely between one ofstringer pairs B of second stringers 108 to geometrically engage eachone of second interlocks 206 with the one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 (e.g., place each one of second interlocks 206 in surfacecontact with the one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108).

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, at least oneof braces 200, for example, one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200,is configured to contact first panel 102 and second panel 104. As oneexample, first end 214 of one of braces 200 extends to and is in surfacecontact with interior surface 162 of first panel 102. Second end 216 ofone of braces 200 extends to and is in surface contact with interiorsurface 164 of second panel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 5, hermetic seal 134 isat least partially located (e.g., formed) between first end 214 of oneof braces 200 and interior surface 162 of first panel 102 and betweensecond end 216 of one of braces 200 and interior surface 164 of secondpanel 104. Hermetic seal 134 is at least partially located (e.g.,formed) between first interlocks 204 and one of stringer pairs A offirst stringers 106 and between second interlocks 206 and one ofstringer pairs B of second stringers 108. Hermetic seal 134 is at leastpartially located (e.g., formed) between one of braces 200 of row 208 ofbraces 200 and another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, 9 and 10, atleast one of braces 200, for example, one of braces 200 of row 208 ofbraces 200, is configured not to contact first panel 102 and secondpanel 104. As one example, first end 214 of one of braces 200 extendstoward but is not in surface contact with interior surface 162 of firstpanel 102. Second end 216 of one of braces 200 extends toward but is notin surface contact with interior surface 164 of second panel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 4, first side 218extends completely between a first one of first stringers 106 of one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and a first one of secondstringers 108 of one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 106opposite the first one of first stringers 106 to geometrically engage afirst one of first interlocks 204 with the first one of first stringers106 of the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 (e.g., placethe first one of first interlocks 204 in surface contact with the firstone of first stringers 106 of the one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106) and geometrically engage a first one of second interlocks206 with the first one of second stringers 108 of the one of stringerpairs B of second stringers 108 (e.g., place the first one of secondinterlocks 206 in surface contact with the first one of second stringers108 of the one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108). Second side220 extends completely between a second one of first stringers 106 ofthe one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and a second one ofsecond stringers 108 of the one of stringer pairs B of second stringers106 opposite the second one of first stringers 106 to geometricallyengage a second one of first interlocks 204 with the second one of firststringers 106 of the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106(e.g., place the second one of first interlocks 204 in surface contactwith the second one of first stringers 106 of the one of stringer pairsA of first stringers 106) and geometrically engage a second one ofsecond interlocks 206 with the second one of second stringers 108 of theone of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 (e.g., place the secondone of second interlocks 206 in surface contact with the second one ofsecond stringers 108 of the one of stringer pairs B of second stringers108).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.4, 5, and 7-10, each of braces 200 further comprises first brace flange226 along first side 218 of each of braces 200. Each of braces alsocomprises second brace flange 228 along second side 220 of each ofbraces 200. First brace flange 226 of one of braces 200 is joined tosecond brace flange 228 of another one of braces 200. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 16 includes the subject matter of example15, above.

First brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 enable joining (e.g.,connection) of one of braces 200 of one of rows 208 of braces 200 toanother one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200.

As one example, first brace flange 226 extends outward, for example,perpendicularly outward, from first side 218 and second brace flange 228extends outward, for example, perpendicularly outward, from second side220. As one example, first bracket flange 226 and second bracket flange228 are parallel.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8-10, firstbrace flange 226 extends along a portion of first side 218 and secondbrace flange 228 extends along a portion of second side 220. As oneexample, first brace flange 226 extends between a first one of firstinterlocks 204 and a first one of second interlocks 206 and second braceflange 228 extends between a second one of first interlocks 204 and asecond one of second interlocks 206.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, first braceflange 226 of one of braces 200 is configured (e.g., suitably sizedand/or shaped) to extend between (e.g., fit between) a first one offirst stringers 106 of one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106and a first one of second stringers 108 of one of stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108 when the one of braces 200 is geometricallyinterlocked with the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andthe one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108. Second brace flange228 of the one of braces 200 is configured (e.g., suitably sized and/orshaped) to extend between (e.g., fit between) a second one of firststringers 106 of the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 anda second one of second stringers 108 of the one of stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108 when the one of braces 200 is geometricallyinterlocked with the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andthe one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

As one example, a first one of braces 200 of one of rows 208 of braces200 is geometrically interlocked with a first one of stringer pairs A offirst stringers 106 and a first one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108. A second one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 ofbraces 200 is positioned laterally adjacent to the first one of braces200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200. The second one of braces 200of the one of rows 208 of braces 200 is geometrically interlocked with asecond one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and a second oneof stringer pairs B of second stringers 108. The first one of stringerpairs A and the second one of stringer pairs A share a common one offirst stringers 106. The first one of stringer pairs B and the secondone of stringer pairs B share a common one of second stringers 108.

As one example, upon the second one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208of braces 200 being positioned laterally adjacent to the first one ofbraces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200 and being geometricallyinterlocked with the second one of stringer pairs A of first stringers106 and the second one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108,first brace flange 226 of the second one of braces 200 of the one ofrows 208 of braces 200 is aligned with second brace flange 228 of thefirst one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200. As oneexample, first brace flange 226 of the second one of braces 200 of theone of rows 208 of braces 200 and second brace flange 228 of the firstone of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200 engage oneanother (e.g., are in surface contact with one another).

As one example, first brace flange 226 of one of braces 200 of row 208of braces 200 and second brace flange 228 of another one of braces 200of row 208 of braces 200 laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200 aremechanically coupled together. As one example, first brace flange 226 ofone of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 and second brace flange 228of another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 laterally adjacentto the one of braces 200 are mechanically fastened together, forexample, by a plurality of fasteners (illustrated but not explicitlyidentified in FIGS. 5 and 7).

As one example, a plurality of fastener holes (illustrated but notexplicitly identified in FIGS. 4 and 8-10) are formed (e.g., machined)through first brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 prior togeometrically interlocking each one of braces 200 with one of thestringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108.

As one example, the plurality of fastener holes (illustrated but notexplicitly identified in FIGS. 4 and 8-10) are formed (e.g., machined)through first brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 followingeach one of braces 200 being geometrically interlocked with one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108.

As one example, first brace flange 226 of one of braces 200 of row 208of braces 200 and second brace flange 228 of another one of braces 200of row 208 of braces 200 laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200 areadhesively bonded together. As one example, an adhesive, for example,adhesive 236, is disposed (e.g., applied) between contacting surfaces offirst brace flange 226 of one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 andsecond brace flange 228 of another one of braces 200 of row 208 ofbraces 200 laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200.

As one example, first brace flange 226 of one of braces 200 of row 208of braces 200 and second brace flange 228 of another one of braces 200of row 208 of braces 200 laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200 areotherwise rigidly joined together. As one example, first brace flange226 of one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 and second braceflange 228 of another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200laterally adjacent to the one of braces 200 are welded together.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.8-10, each of braces 200 comprises thickness T measured in thicknessdirection 230. First brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 ofeach of braces 200 are offset from each other in thickness direction230. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 includes thesubject matter of example 16, above.

First brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 of each of braces 200being offset enables one of braces 200 of one of rows 208 of braces 200and another one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200 to bejoined together along cooperating first brace flange 226 and secondbrace flange 228.

As one example, first brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 ofeach of braces 200 being offset in thickness direction 230 enables firstbrace flange 226 of one of braces 200 of one of rows 208 of braces 200to be positioned in a suitable position relative to (e.g., close to orin contact with) second brace flange 228 of another one of braces 200 ofthe one of rows 208 of braces 200 when the another one of braces 200 ofthe one of rows 208 of braces 200 is positioned laterally adjacent tothe one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200 and isgeometrically interlocked with one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, each of braces200, for example, chassis 202 of each of braces 200, includes surface240 extending around a perimeter of each of braces 200. Surface 240defines thickness T of first side 218, second side 220, first end 214,second end 216, first interlocks 204 and second interlocks 206.

As one example, first brace flange 226 extends outwardly from surface240 defining first side 218 and is disposed at a first position alongthickness direction 230. Second brace flange 228 extends outwardly fromsurface 240 defining second side 220 and is disposed at a secondposition along thickness direction 230. The first position alongthickness direction 230 of first brace flange 226 and the secondposition along thickness direction 230 of second brace flange 228 aredifferent. The linear distance between the first position alongthickness direction 230 of first brace flange 226 and the secondposition along thickness direction 230 of second brace flange 228defines the offset between first brace flange 226 and second braceflange 228. As one example, the offset is approximately a thickness ofone of first brace flange 226 or second brace flange 228.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12 and FIGS. 4, 5 and 8-10, one of first interlocks 204 comprisesfirst interlock surface 232 at least partially defining a firstinterlock geometric shape and one of second interlocks 206 comprisessecond interlock surface 234 at least partially defining a secondinterlock geometric shape. One of first stringers 106 comprises firststringer surface 136 at least partially defining a first stringergeometric shape complementary to the first interlock geometric shape andone of second stringers 108 comprises second stringer surface 138 atleast partially defining a second stringer geometric shape complementaryto the second interlock geometric shape. First interlock surface 232 ofthe one of first interlocks 204 contacts first stringer surface 136 ofthe one of first stringers 106. Second interlock surface 234 of the oneof second interlocks 206 contacts second stringer surface 138 of the oneof second stringers 108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-17, above.

Contact between first interlock surface 232 of one of first interlocks204 and first stringer surface 136 of one of first stringers 106 enablesgeometric engagement of the one first interlocks 204 with the one offirst stringers 106 of one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106and contact between second interlock surface 234 of one of secondinterlocks 206 and second stringer surface 138 enables geometricengagement of the one second interlocks 206 with the one of secondstringers 108 of one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

As one example, a first portion of surface 240 defines first interlocksurface 232 of one of first interlocks 204, a second portion of surface240 defines first interlock surface 232 of another one of firstinterlocks 204, a third portion of surface 240 defines second interlocksurface 232 of one of second interlocks 206, and a fourth portion ofsurface 240 defines second interlock surface 232 of another one ofsecond interlocks 206.

As one example, the first interlock geometric shape of first interlocksurface 232 of one of first interlocks 204 is defined by differentportions of first interlock surface 232 being in different planes. Asone example, a first portion of first interlock surface 232 is disposedin a first plane, a second portion of first interlock surface 232 isdisposed in a second plane, and a third portion of first interlocksurface 232 is disposed in a third plane. The second interlock geometricshape of first interlock surface 234 of one of second interlocks 206 isdefined by different portions of second interlock surface 234 being indifferent planes. As one example, a first portion of second interlocksurface 234 is disposed in a first plane, a second portion of secondinterlock surface 234 is disposed in a second plane, and a third portionof second interlock surface 234 is disposed in a third plane.

As one example, the first plane of the first portion of first interlocksurface 232 and the second plane of the second portion of firstinterlock surface 232 intersect and are disposed at a non-zero anglerelative to each other. The second plane of the second portion of firstinterlock surface 232 and the third plane of the third portion of firstinterlock surface 232 intersect and are disposed at a non-zero anglerelative to each other. Similarly, the first plane of the first portionof second interlock surface 234 and the second plane of the secondportion of second interlock surface 234 intersect and are disposed at anon-zero angle relative to each other. The second plane of the secondportion of second interlock surface 234 and the third plane of the thirdportion of second interlock surface 234 intersect and are disposed at anon-zero angle relative to each other.

The first interlock geometric shape of first interlock surface 232 maydepend upon or be configured to be complimentary to the first stringergeometric shape of first stringer surface 136. The second interlockgeometric shape of second interlock surface 234 may depend upon or beconfigured to be complimentary to the second stringer geometric shape ofsecond stringer surface 136. As one example, first interlock surface 232may include fewer or additional portions disposed in fewer or additionalplanes depending on the first interlock geometric shape. Secondinterlock surface 234 may include fewer or additional portions disposedin fewer or additional planes depending on the second interlockgeometric shape. As one example, the number of portions of firstinterlock surface 232 defining the first interlock geometric shape offirst interlocks 204 depends upon the shape of first stringers 206, forexample, the first stringer geometric shape of first stringer surface136. The number of portions of second interlock surface 234 defining thesecond interlock geometric shape of second interlocks 204 depends uponthe shape of second stringers 108, for example, the second stringergeometric shape of second stringer surface 136.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12, at least a portion of first interlock surface 232 of the oneof first interlocks 204 is adhesively bonded to at least a portion offirst stringer surface 136 of the one of first stringers 106. At least aportion of second interlock surface 234 of the one of second interlocks206 is adhesively bonded to at least a portion of second stringersurface 138 of the one of second stringers 108. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 19 includes the subject matter of example18, above.

Adhesively bonding at least a portion of first interlock surface 232 ofthe one of first interlocks 204 to at least a portion of first stringersurface 136 of the one of first stringers 106 and adhesively bonding atleast a portion of second interlock surface 234 of the one of secondinterlocks 206 to at least a portion of second stringer surface 138 ofthe one of second stringers 108 joins each of braces 200 to one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108 and prevents movement, for example, in a directionparallel to one of first stringers 106 and one of second stringers 108.

As one general, non-limiting example, adhesive 236 is a paste adhesive.As one general, non-limiting example, adhesive 236 is an epoxy-basedadhesive. As one example, adhesive 236 is in and/or is applied as aliquid form. For example, adhesive 236 in the liquid form may be appliedwith a brush or a roller to interface areas (e.g., between at least aportion of first interlock surface 232 of the one of first interlocks204 and at least a portion of first stringer surface 136 of the one offirst stringers 106 and at least a portion of second interlock surface234 of the one of second interlocks 206 and at least a portion of secondstringer surface 138 of the one of second stringers 108). As oneexample, adhesive 166 is in and/or is applied as a sheet or film form.For example, adhesive 166 is in the sheet or film form may be cut (e.g.,die cut) into an appropriate shape and applied to interface areas (e.g.,between at least a portion of first interlock surface 232 of the one offirst interlocks 204 and at least a portion of first stringer surface136 of the one of first stringers 106 and at least a portion of secondinterlock surface 234 of the one of second interlocks 206 and at least aportion of second stringer surface 138 of the one of second stringers108).

As one specific, non-limiting example, adhesive 236 is Scotch-Weld™structural film adhesive commercially available from 3M™ Corporation ofSt. Paul, Minn. As one specific, non-limiting example, adhesive 236 isHysol® PL 696™ structural film adhesive commercially available fromHenkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Conn.

As one example, adhesive 236 may be applied to the interface areasmanually. As one example, adhesive 236 may be applied to the interfaceareas by an automated system, for example, a robotic arm with anapplication specific end effector (not illustrated).

As one example, adhesive 236 may utilize a secondary process to cureadhesive and form the adhesive bond between first interlock surface 232and first stringer surface 136 and the adhesive bond between secondinterlock surface 234 and second stringer surface 138. As one example,the secondary (e.g., curing) process may be a high-temperature curingprocess. As one example, the secondary process may be amedium-temperature curing process. As one example, the secondary processmay be an autoclave curing process. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the particular curing process may depend on variousfactors, for example, the selected formulation of adhesive 236.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 11, adhesive 236 isdisposed (e.g., applied) between first interlock surface 232 and firststringer surface 136. As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG.12, adhesive 236 is disposed (e.g., applied) between second interlocksurface 234 and second stringer surface 138.

As one example, adhesive 236 is applied to at least a portion of firstinterlock surface 232 of first interlocks 204 of one of braces 200 andto at least a portion of second interlock surface 234 of secondinterlocks 206 of the one of braces 200 prior to geometricallyinterlocking the one of braces 200 with one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

As one example, adhesive 236 is applied to at least a portion of firstinterlock surface 232 of first interlocks 204 of one of braces 200 andto at least a portion of second interlock surface 234 of secondinterlocks 206 of the one of braces 200 following the one of braces 200being geometrically interlocked with one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12 and FIGS. 3-5, the one of first stringers 106 comprises firstfoot 140 defining first portion I of first stringer surface 136. The oneof first stringers 106 further comprises first web 142 projecting fromfirst foot 140 and defining second portion I of first stringer surface136. The one of first stringers 106 also comprises first crown 144located at an end of first web 142 and defining third portion I of firststringer surface 136. The one of second stringers 108 comprises secondfoot 146 defining first portion II of second stringer surface 138. Theone of second stringers 108 further comprises second web 148 projectingfrom second foot 146 and defining second portion II of second stringersurface 138. The one of second stringers 108 also comprises second crown150 located at an end of second web 148 and defining third portion II ofsecond stringer surface 138. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 20 includes the subject matter of any of examples 18 or 19,above.

First foot 140, first web 142, and first crown 144 form the structuralcharacteristics and the load-bearing characteristics of first stringers106 and dictate the first interlock geometric shape of first interlocksurface 232 of first interlocks 204. Second foot 146, second web 148,and second crown 150 form the structural characteristics and theload-bearing characteristics of second stringers 108 and dictate thesecond interlock geometric shape of second interlock surface 242 ofsecond interlocks 206.

As one example, first foot 140 of each of first stringers 106 is coupledto interior surface 162 of first panel 102. As one example, first foot140 is co-cured with first panel 102. As one example, first foot 140 isco-bonded with first panel 102. As one example, first foot 140 issecondarily bonded to first panel 102. As one example, first foot 140 ismechanically fastened to first panel 102. As one example, second foot146 of each of second stringers 108 is coupled to interior surface 164of second panel 104. As one example, second foot 146 is co-cured withsecond panel 104. As one example, second foot 146 is co-bonded withsecond panel 104. As one example, second foot 146 is secondarily bondedto second panel 104. As one example, second foot 146 is mechanicallyfastened to second panel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 11, first portion I,second portion I, and third portion I of first stringer surface 136define the first stringer geometric shape of one of first stringers 106.As one example, a first portion of first interlock surface 232 iscomplimentary to (e.g., matches) and geometrically engages first portionI of first stringer surface 136 formed by first foot 140 of one of firststringers 106. A second portion of first interlock surface 232 iscomplimentary to (e.g., matches) and geometrically engages secondportion I of first stringer surface 136 formed by first web 142 of theone of first stringers 106. A third portion of first interlock surface232 is complimentary to (e.g., matches) and geometrically engages thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 formed by first crown 144 of theone of first stringers 106.

As one example, each side of first foot 140 defines first portion I offirst stringer surface 136 to which a first portion of first interlocksurface 232 of one of first interlocks 204 of one of braces 200 isgeometrically engaged. Each side of first web 142 defines second portionI of first stringer surface 136 to which a second portion of firstinterlock surface 232 of the one of first interlocks 204 of the one ofbraces 200 is geometrically engaged. Each side of first crown 144defines third portion I of first stringer surface 136 to which a thirdportion of first interlock surface 232 of the one of first interlocks204 of the one of braces 200 is geometrically engaged.

As one example, thickness T of each one of braces 200 (e.g., of surface240) defines the contact surface area between first interlock surface232 and first stringer surface 136. The contact surface area betweenfirst interlock surface 232 and first stringer surface 136 may besufficient to react to any tension (e.g., pull-off) loads applied tofirst panel 102, second panel 104 and/or braces 200.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 12, first portion II,second portion II, and third portion II of second stringer surface 138define the second stringer geometric shape of one of second stringers108. As one example, a first portion of second interlock surface 234 iscomplimentary to (e.g., matches) and geometrically engages first portionII of second stringer surface 138 formed by second foot 146 of one ofsecond stringers 108. A second portion of second interlock surface 234is complimentary to (e.g., matches) and geometrically engages secondportion II of second stringer surface 138 formed by second web 148 ofthe one of second stringers 108. A third portion of second interlocksurface 234 is complimentary to (e.g., matches) and geometricallyengages third portion II of second stringer surface 138 formed by secondcrown 150 of the one of second stringers 108.

As one example, each side of second foot 146 defines first portion II ofsecond stringer surface 138 to which a first portion of second interlocksurface 234 of one of second interlocks 206 of one of braces 200 isgeometrically engaged. Each side of second web 148 defines secondportion II of second stringer surface 138 to which a second portion ofsecond interlock surface 234 of the one of second interlocks 206 of theone of braces 200 is geometrically engaged. Each side of second crown150 defines third portion II of second stringer surface 138 to which athird portion of second interlock surface 234 of the one of secondinterlocks 206 of the one of braces 200 is geometrically engaged.

As one example, thickness T of each one of braces 200 (e.g., of surface240) defines the contact surface area between second interlock surface234 and second stringer surface 138. The contact surface area betweensecond interlock surface 234 and second stringer surface 138 may besufficient to react to any tension (e.g., pull-off) loads applied tofirst panel 102, second panel 104 and/or braces 200.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12, first crown 144 of the one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of the one of second stringers 108 are hollow. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 21 includes the subject matter of example20, above.

First crown 144 of one of first stringers 106 and second crown 150 ofone of second stringers 108 being hollow reduces the weight of structure100.

As one example, first crown 144 of one or more of first stringers 106and second crown 150 of one or more of second stringers 108 being hollowreduces the weight of the wing of the aircraft.

As one example, first stringers 106 and second stringers 108 arecomposites and, thus, first crown 144 and second crown 150 arecomposites. As one example, first stringers 106 and second stringers 108are manufactured by positioning a bladder or mandrel (not illustrated)between composite layers (e.g., composite laminate or ply) to form ahollow section of first crown 144 and second crown 150 prior toperforming a curing process. A curing process is a process that toughensor hardens a polymer material in the composite stringer, for example, inan oven or autoclave. The bladder is inflated to support the internalstructure of first crown 144 and second crown 150 during the curingprocess. The bladder or mandrel is removed following the curing processto leave the hollow space formed within first crown 144 and second crown150.

As one example, first crown 144 of one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of one of second stringers 108 define a foam filled interior.As one example, first crown 144 of one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of one of second stringers 108 may be formed with an interiorhollow space and filled in a foam material. The foam material disposedwithin first crown 144 and second crown 144 increases the structuralcharacteristics and the load-bearing characteristics of first stringers106 and second stringers 108 but reduces their overall weight ascompared to solid first stringers 106 and solid second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12, first crown 144 of the one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of the one of second stringers 108 each comprises a triangularcross-sectional shape. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 22 of the present disclosure, wherein example 22includes the subject matter of any of examples 20 or 21, above.

First crown 144 having a triangular cross-sectional shape forms thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 disposed in at least one planeand second crown 150 having a triangular cross-sectional shape formsthird portion II of second stringer surface 138 disposed in at least oneplane to react to tension loads applied to first panel 102 and/or secondpanel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 11, one side of thetriangular cross-sectional shape of first crown 144 defines thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136. Third portion I of firststringer surface 136 extends away from (e.g., is disposed relative to)second portion I of first stringer surface 136 at a non-zero angle(e.g., an obtuse angle—greater than 90-degrees and less than180-degrees).

As one example, third portion I of first stringer surface 136 reactswith a third portion of first interlock surface 232 in response to atension load applied to first panel 102 and/or second panel 104. As oneexample, first portion I of first stringer surface 136 reacts with afirst portion of first interlock surface 232 in response to acompression load applied to first panel 102 and/or second panel 104.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 12, one side of thetriangular cross-sectional shape of second crown 150 defines thirdportion II of second stringer surface 138. Third portion II of secondstringer surface 138 extends away from (e.g., is disposed relative to)second portion II of second stringer surface 138 at a non-zero angle(e.g., an obtuse angle—greater than 90-degrees and less than180-degrees).

As one example, third portion II of second stringer surface 13 reactswith a third portion of second interlock surface 234 in response to atension load applied to first panel 102 and/or second panel 104. As oneexample, first portion II of second stringer surface 138 reacts with afirst portion of second interlock surface 234 in response to acompression load applied to first panel 102 and/or second panel 104.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12, first crown 144 of the one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of the one of second stringers 108 each comprises arectangular cross-sectional shape. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 23 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 23 includes the subject matter of any of examples 20 or 21,above.

First crown 144 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape forms thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 disposed in at least two planesand second crown 150 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape formsthird portion II of second stringer surface 138 disposed in at least twoplanes to react to tension loads applied to first panel 102 and/orsecond panel 104.

As one example, one side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape offirst crown 144 defines third portion I of first stringer surface 136. Afirst part of third portion I of first stringer surface 136 extends awayfrom (e.g., is disposed relative to) second portion I of first stringersurface 136 at a non-zero angle (e.g., approximately 90-degrees) asecond part of third portion I of first stringer surface 136 extendsaway from (e.g., is disposed relative to) the first part of thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 at a non-zero angle (e.g.,approximately 90-degrees).

As one example, one side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape ofsecond crown 150 defines third portion II of second stringer surface138. A first part of third portion II of second stringer surface 138extends away from (e.g., is disposed relative to) second portion II ofsecond stringer surface 138 at a non-zero angle (e.g., approximately90-degrees) and a second part of third portion II of second stringersurface 138 extends away from (e.g., is disposed relative to) the firstpart of third portion II of second stringer surface 138 at a non-zeroangle (e.g., approximately 90-degrees).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12, first crown 144 of the one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of the one of second stringers 108 each comprises a circularcross-sectional shape. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 24 of the present disclosure, wherein example 24includes the subject matter of any of examples 20 or 21, above.

First crown 144 having a circular cross-sectional shape forms thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 disposed in a plurality ofplanes and second crown 150 having a circular cross-sectional shapeforms third portion II of second stringer surface 138 disposed in aplurality of planes to react to tension loads applied to first panel 102and/or second panel 104.

As one example, one side of the circular cross-sectional shape of firstcrown 144 defines third portion I of first stringer surface 136. Thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 extends away from second portionI of first stringer surface 136 in an arcuate manner.

As one example, one side of the circular cross-sectional shape of secondcrown 150 defines third portion II of second stringer surface 138. Thirdportion II of second stringer surface 138 extends away from secondportion II of second stringer surface 138 in an arcuate manner.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12, first crown 144 of the one of first stringers 106 and secondcrown 150 of the one of second stringers 108 each comprises an ovalcross-sectional shape. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 25 of the present disclosure, wherein example 25includes the subject matter of any of examples 20 or 21, above.

First crown 144 having an ovular cross-sectional shape forms thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 disposed in a plurality ofplanes and second crown 150 having an ovular cross-sectional shape formsthird portion II of second stringer surface 138 disposed in a pluralityof planes to react to tension loads applied to first panel 102 and/orsecond panel 104.

As one example, one side of the oval cross-sectional shape of firstcrown 144 defines third portion I of first stringer surface 136. Thirdportion I of first stringer surface 136 extends away from second portionI of first stringer surface 136 in an arcuate manner.

As one example, one side of the oval cross-sectional shape of secondcrown 150 defines third portion II of second stringer surface 138. Thirdportion II of second stringer surface 138 extends away from secondportion II of second stringer surface 138 in an arcuate manner.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3-5, at least one of braces 200 is adhesively bonded to at least one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 26 of the present disclosure, wherein example 26includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-25, above.

Adhesively bonding at least one of braces 200 to at least one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 constrains the at least one of braces 200 in a directionparallel to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 8, 11 and 12,adhesive 236 is applied between each one of first interlocks 204 andeach one of first stringers 106 of one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106. Adhesive 236 is applied between each one of secondinterlocks 206 and each one of second stringers 108 of one of stringerpairs B of second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.3-5, at least one of braces 200 is mechanically coupled to at least oneof stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 27 of the present disclosure, wherein example 27includes the subject matter of any of examples 2-26, above.

Mechanically coupling at least one of braces 200 to at least one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 constrains the at least one of braces 200 in a directionparallel to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108.

As one example, a mechanical coupling is connected between one of braces200 and one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and one ofstringer pairs B of second stringers 108. As one example, the mechanicalcoupling is connected between each one of first interlocks 204 and eachone of first stringers 106 of one of stringer pairs A of first stringers106. Adhesive 236 is applied between each one of second interlocks 206and each one of second stringers 108 of one of stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108. As one example, the mechanical coupling is afastener. As one example, the mechanical coupling is a clamp. As oneexample, the mechanical coupling is a clip. As one example, themechanical coupling is a pin.

As one example, at least one of braces 200 is adhesively bonded andmechanically coupled to at least one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

Referring, e.g., to FIGS. 1-4, brace 200 for geometrically interlockingstringer pairs A of first stringers 106, coupled to first panel 102, andstringer pairs B of second stringers 108, coupled to second panel 104,of structure 100, is disclosed. Brace 200 comprises chassis 202comprising first interlocks 204 and second interlocks 206 opposite firstinterlocks 204. First interlocks 204 geometrically engage with one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and second interlocks 206geometrically engage with one of stringer pairs B of second stringers108 to constrain brace 200 in all directions along plane 112perpendicular to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 28 ofthe present disclosure.

Geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andstringer pairs B of second stringers with brace 200 significantlyreduces, if not eliminates, the need to mechanically fasten brace 200 tofirst stringers 106 and/or second stringers 108 and/or brace 200 tofirst panel 102 and/or second panel 104 and, thus, significantly reducesthe time, expense, complexity and/or difficulty in manufacturing (e.g.,assembly of) structure 100.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 8, brace 200 (e.g.,chassis 202 of brace 200) is solid. As one example, chassis 202 of brace200 includes thickness T that is constant. As used herein “solid” refersto a three-dimensional body without openings or breaks.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 9, brace 200 (e.g.,chassis 202 of brace 200) includes web 242 and flanges 244. As oneexample, flanges 244 are coupled to and extend outwardly, for example,perpendicularly, from web 242. As one example, flanges 244 are integralto and extend outwardly, for example, perpendicularly, from web 242. Web242 interconnects flanges 244 and flanges 244 act as stiffening membersfor web 242.

As one example, exterior flanges 244 define surface 240 of brace 200and, thus, thickness T of brace 200. As one example, exterior flanges244 form first side 218, second side 220, first end 214 and second end216 of brace 200. As one example, exterior flanges 244 form firstinterlocks 204, for example, an exterior surface of flanges 244 definefirst interlock surface 232 of first interlocks 204. As one example,exterior flanges 244 form second interlocks 206, for example, anexterior surface of flanges 244 define second interlock surface 234 ofsecond interlocks 206.

Interior flanges 244 may include any configuration. As one example,interior flanges 244 are configured vertically. As one example, interiorflanges 244 are configured horizontally. As one example, interiorflanges 244 are crisscrossed. As one example, interior flanges 244 areconfigured in a truss formation.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 10, brace 200 (e.g.,chassis 202 of brace 200) include structural members 246. Each one ofstructural members 246 is connected at an end thereof to another one ofstructural members 246. Brace 200 includes empty areas or materialbreaks between structural members 246.

As one example, exterior structural members 246 define surface 240 ofbrace 200 and, thus, thickness T of brace 200. As one example, exteriorstructural members 246 form first side 218, second side 220, first end214 and second end 216 of brace 200. As one example, exterior flanges244 form first interlocks 204, for example, an exterior surface ofstructural members 246 define first interlock surface 232 of firstinterlocks 204. As one example, exterior structural members 246 formsecond interlocks 206, for example, an exterior surface of structuralmembers 246 244 define second interlock surface 234 of second interlocks206.

Interior structural members 246 may include any configuration. As oneexample, interior structural members 246 are configured vertically. Asone example, interior structural members 246 are configuredhorizontally. As one example, interior structural members 246 arecrisscrossed. As one example, interior structural members 246 areconfigured in a truss formation.

The particular configuration of brace 200, for example, chassis 202being solid, chassis 202 including web 242 and flanges 244, or chassis202 including structural members 246 may be dictated by, for example,the materials used to fabricate brace 200, the manufacturing processused to fabricate brace 200, weight limitations of structure 100 and thelike.

The manufacturing process used to fabricate brace 200 may depend uponthe materials used to fabricate brace 200. As one example, brace 200 maybe cast. As one example, brace 200 may be stamped. As one example, brace200 may be molded. As one example, brace 200 may be machined. As oneexample, brace 200 may be welded. As one example, brace 200 may beadditively manufactures.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4 and8-10, brace 200 further comprises first end 214 and second end 216,opposite first end 214. Brace 200 also comprises first side 218,extending between first end 214 and second end 214, and second side 220,extending between first end 214 and second end 214 opposite first side218. Additionally, brace 200 comprises two first corners 222, adjacentfirst end 214, and two second corners 224, adjacent second end 216. Afirst one of first interlocks 204 is located at one of two first corners222 of brace 200 and a second one of first interlocks 204 is located atanother one of two first corners 222 of brace 200. A first one of secondinterlocks 206 is located at one of two second corners 224 of brace 200and the second one of second interlocks 206 is located at another one oftwo second corners 224 of brace 200. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 29 of the present disclosure,wherein example 29 includes the subject matter of example 28, above.

First interlocks 204 being located at opposing two first corners 222 andsecond interlocks 206 being located at opposing two second corners 224appropriately positions first interlocks 204 relative to one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 to geometrically engage the one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and appropriately positionssecond interlocks 206 relative to one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108, opposite the one of stringer pairs A, to geometricallyengage the one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4 and8-10, brace 200 further comprises first brace flange 226 along firstside 218 of brace 200. Brace 200 also comprises second brace flange 228along second side 220 of brace 200. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 30 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 30 includes the subject matter of example 29, above.

First brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 enable joining (e.g.,connection) of one brace 200 to another brace 200.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 8-10,brace 200 further comprises thickness T measured in thickness direction230. First brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 are offset fromeach other in thickness direction 230. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 31 of the present disclosure,wherein example 31 includes the subject matter of example 30, above.

First brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 of brace 200 beingoffset enables one brace 200 and another brace 200 to be joined togetheralong cooperating first brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIGS.11 and 12 and FIGS. 4 and 8-10, one of first interlocks 204 comprisesfirst interlock surface 232 at least partially defining a firstinterlock geometric shape and one of second interlocks 206 comprisessecond interlock surface 234 at least partially defining a secondinterlock geometric shape. First interlock surface 232 of the one offirst interlocks 204 is configured to contact first stringer surface 136of one of first stringers 106. First stringer surface 136 at leastpartially defines a first stringer geometric shape complementary to thefirst interlock geometric shape. Second interlock surface 234 of the oneof second interlocks 206 is configured to contact second stringersurface 138 of one of second stringers 108. Second stringer surface 138at least partially defines a second stringer geometric shapecomplementary to the second interlock geometric shape. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 32 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 32 includes the subject matter of any ofexamples 28-31, above.

Contact between first interlock surface 232 of one of first interlocks204 and first stringer surface 136 of one of first stringers 106 enablesgeometric engagement of the one first interlocks 204 with the one offirst stringers 106 of one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106and contact between second interlock surface 234 of one of secondinterlocks 206 and second stringer surface 138 enables geometricengagement of the one second interlocks 206 with the one of secondstringers 108 of one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 8, brace200 further comprises adhesive 236 applied to at least one of at least aportion of first interlock surface 232 of the one of first interlocks204 and to at least a portion of second interlock surface 234 of the oneof second interlocks 206. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 33 of the present disclosure, wherein example 33includes the subject matter of example 32, above.

Adhesively bonding at least a portion of first interlock surface 232 ofthe one of first interlocks 204 to at least a portion of first stringersurface 136 of the one of first stringers 106 and adhesively bonding atleast a portion of second interlock surface 234 of the one of secondinterlocks 206 to at least a portion of second stringer surface 138 ofthe one of second stringers 108 joins brace 200 to one of stringer pairsA of first stringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of second stringers108 and prevents movement, for example, in a direction parallel to oneof first stringers 106 and one of second stringers 108.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 8, adhesive 236 isapplied to a portion of surface 240 of brace 200, for example of chassis202. As one example, adhesive 236 is applied to at least a portion offirst interlock surface 232 of at least one of first interlocks 204 andis applied to at least a portion of second interlock surface 234 of atleast one of second interlocks 206.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 13,method 500 for manufacturing structure 100 is disclosed. Structure 100comprises first panel 102 and second panel 104. Referring to Block 502of FIG. 13, method 500 comprises interconnecting first panel 102 andsecond panel 104 by geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of firststringers 106, coupled to first panel 102, with stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108, coupled to second panel 104, in all directionsalong plane 112 perpendicular to first stringers 106 and secondstringers 108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 34 of the present disclosure.

Geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andstringer pairs B of second stringers significantly reduces, if noteliminates, the need for mechanical fasteners and, thus, significantlyreduces the time, expense, complexity and/or difficulty in manufacturing(e.g., assembly of) structure 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4, and particularly to, e.g., FIG. 13(Block 504), method 500 further comprises geometrically interlockingbraces 200 with stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringerpairs B of second stringers 108. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 35 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 35 includes the subject matter of example 34, above.

Geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andstringer pairs B of second stringers with braces 200 significantlyreduces, if not eliminates, the need to mechanically fasten braces 200to first stringers 106 and/or second stringers 108 and/or braces 200 tofirst panel 102 and/or second panel 104 and, thus, significantly reducesthe time, expense, complexity and/or difficulty in manufacturing (e.g.,assembly of) structure 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8-12, and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 13 (Block 506), method 500 further comprises geometrically engagingfirst interlocks 204 of each of braces 200 with one of stringer pairs Aof first stringers 106 and geometrically engaging second interlocks 206of each of braces 200 with one of stringer pairs B of second stringers108. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 36 of the present disclosure, wherein example 36 includes thesubject matter of example 35, above.

Geometrically engaging first interlocks 204 of each of braces 200 withone of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and geometricallyengaging second interlocks 206 of each of braces 200 with one ofstringer pairs B of second stringers 108 constrains each of braces 200in all directions along plane 112 without the need to fasten each ofbraces 200 to first stringers 106 and/or second stringers 108.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, one ofbraces 200 is installed through one of first side 118 or second side 120of structure 100. As one example, one of braces 200 is inserted throughan opening defined between first panel 102 and second panel 104 alongfirst side 118 or an opening defined between first panel 102 and secondpanel 104 along second side 120.

Second panel 104 and second stringers 106 (e.g., stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108) are not illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 forpurposed of clarity. It is understood that structure 100 illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15 includes second panel 104 and second stringers 106(e.g., stringer pairs B of second stringers 108).

As one example, one of braces 200 is positioned between one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 opposite the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers106. As one example, the one of braces 200 is positioned centrallybetween the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and the oneof stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 opposite the one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106.

As one example, the one of braces 200 is initially positioned generallyparallel to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108. The one ofbraces 200 is rotated (e.g., twisted) about a central longitudinal axisA (FIG. 8) to geometrically engage first interlocks 204 of the one ofbraces 200 with the one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 andgeometrically engage second interlocks 206 of the one of braces 200 withthe one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 in order togeometrically interlock the one of braces 200 with the one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 and the one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108, as best illustrated in FIG. 4.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 13 (Block 508), method 500 further comprises geometricallyinterlocking each of braces 200 with one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 toform rows 208 of braces 200. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 37 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 37 includes the subject matter of any of examples 35 or 36,above.

Geometrically interlocking a plurality of first stringers 106 (e.g., aplurality of stringer pairs A) and a plurality of second stringers 108(e.g., a plurality of stringer pairs B) with row 208 of braces 200reduces the time, expense, complexity and/or difficulty in manufacturing(e.g., assembly of) structure 100.

As one example, structure 100 includes stations 170. Each of stations170 is defined by one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and oneof stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 opposite the one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106. As one example, the one of braces 200(e.g., a first one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200) is installedat one of stations 170 disposed proximate a lateral center (e.g., inlateral direction 124) of structure 100. The one of braces 200 may beinstalled at any longitudinal position (e.g., in longitudinal direction122) of structure, for example, proximate first end 114, proximatesecond end 116, proximate a longitudinal center or any positiontherebetween.

Another one of braces 200 is installed through one of first side 118 orsecond side 120. The another one of braces 200 is installed at anotherone of stations 170 laterally adjacent to the one of stations 170 suchthat the another one of braces 200 is laterally adjacent to the one ofbraces 200.

As one example, and as best illustrated in FIG. 15, another one ofbraces 200 is installed through one of first side 118 or second side 120of structure 100. As one example, the another one of braces 200 isinserted through an opening defined between first panel 102 and secondpanel 104 along first side 118 or an opening defined between first panel102 and second panel 104 along second side 120.

As one example, the another one of braces 200 is positioned betweenanother one of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and another oneof stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 opposite the one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106, for example, defining another one ofstations 170. As one example, the another one of braces 200 ispositioned centrally between the another one of stringer pairs A offirst stringers 106 and the another one of stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 opposite the another one of stringer pairs A of firststringers 106.

As one example, the another one of braces 200 is initially positionedgenerally parallel to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108. Theanother one of braces 200 is rotated (e.g., twisted) about the centrallongitudinal axis A (FIG. 8) to geometrically engage first interlocks204 of the another one of braces 200 with the another one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 and geometrically engage secondinterlocks 206 of the another one of braces 200 with the another one ofstringer pairs B of second stringers 108 in order to geometricallyinterlock the another one of braces 200 with the another one of stringerpairs A of first stringers 106 and the another one of stringer pairs Bof second stringers 108, as best illustrated in FIG. 5.

As one example, structure 100 includes a constant cross-sectional, forexample, in at least one of longitudinal direction 122 and/or lateraldirection 124. In such an example, when structure 100 includes aconstant longitudinal cross-section, each one of braces 200 positionedat any longitudinal position (e.g., the same one of stations 170 inlongitudinal direction 122) may have the same size and/or shape. In suchan example, when structure 100 includes a constant lateralcross-section, each one of braces 200 positioned at any lateral position(e.g., each one of stations 170 in lateral direction 124) may have thesame size and/or shape. In such an example, when structure 100 includesa constant longitudinal cross-section and a constant lateralcross-section, each one of braces 200 positioned at any longitudinalposition and at any lateral position may have the same size and/orshape.

As one example, structure 100 includes a variable cross-section, forexample, in at least one of longitudinal direction 122 and/or lateraldirection 124. As one example, the wing of an aircraft may include avariable cross-section (e.g., a curvature) in at least one of thechordwise and/or the spanwise direction. In such an example, whenstructure 100 includes a variable longitudinal cross-section, each oneof braces 200 positioned at any longitudinal position (e.g., the sameone of stations 170 in longitudinal direction 122) may have a differentsize and/or shape. In such an example, when structure 100 includes avariable lateral cross-section, each one of braces 200 positioned at anylateral position (e.g., each one of stations 170 in lateral direction124) may have to different size and/or shape. In such an example, whenstructure 100 includes a variable longitudinal cross-section and avariable lateral cross-section, each one of braces 200 positioned at anylongitudinal position and at any lateral position may have a differentsize and/or shape. Thus, in such an example, each one of braces 200includes an appropriate (e.g., unique) size and/or shape associated witha particular longitudinal and/or lateral location.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 13 (Block 510), method 500 further comprises extending one of rows208 of braces 200 in lateral direction 124 between first side 118 andsecond side 120 of structure 100. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 38 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 38 includes the subject matter of example 37, above.

Extending one of rows 208 of braces 200 in lateral direction 124appropriately positions and maintains first panel 102 relative to secondpanel 104 along lateral direction.

As one example, additional one of braces 200 are installed through oneof first side 118 or second side 120. The additional ones of braces 200are installed at other ones of stations 170 laterally adjacent to theones of stations 170 in which one of braces 200 have already beeninstalled. As one example, installation of braces 200 begins centrallyand additional braces 200 are installed extending outward in lateraldirection 124 toward first side 118 and second side 120.

As one example, installation of braces 200, for example, insertingbraces 200 between first panel 102 and second panel 104, positioningbraces 200 between stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringerpairs B of second stringers 108, and rotating braces 200 togeometrically interlock braces 200 with stringer pairs A of firststringers 106 and stringer pairs B of second stringers 108 is performedby an automated system (not illustrated). As one example, the automatedsystem is a robot. The robot may include an end effector configured tograsp each one of braces 200, move each one of braces 200, position eachone of braces 200 and/or rotated each one of braces 200 in order togeometrically interlock each one of braces 200 with stringer pairs A offirst stringers 106 and stringer pairs B of second stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 13 (Block 512), method 500 further comprises coupling one of braces200 of one of rows 208 of braces 200 to another one of braces 200 of theone of rows 208 of braces 200. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 39 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 39 includes the subject matter of any of examples 37 or 38,above.

Coupling one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 to another one ofbraces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 secures the one of braces 200 of row208 of braces 200 to prevent movement of the one of braces 200 of row208 of braces 200 relative to the another one of braces 200 of row 208of braces 200.

As one example, the automated system, for example, a robot, couples eachone of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 to another one of braces 200of row 208 of braces 200.

As one example, the robot includes an end effector configured to locateand machine (e.g., drill) fastening holes through first brace flange 226and second brace flange 228 of each of braces 200 and install fastenersthrough the fastener holes to mechanically couple one of braces 200 ofrow 208 of braces 200 to another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces200.

As one example, the robot includes an end effector configured to applyadhesive 134 to first brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 ofeach of braces 200 to adhesively bond one of braces 200 of row 208 ofbraces 200 to another one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200. As oneexample, the robot includes an end effector configured to cure adhesive134.

As one example, the robot includes an end effector configured to weldfirst brace flange 226 and second brace flange 228 of each of braces 200to rigidly join one of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200 to anotherone of braces 200 of row 208 of braces 200. As one example, the robotincludes an end effector configured to cure adhesive 134.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5 and 7, and particularly to, e.g., FIG.13 (Blocks 514), method 500 further comprises coupling first spar 126 tofirst panel 102 and to second panel 104 along first side 118 ofstructure 100. Method 500 also comprises coupling second spar 128 tofirst panel 102 and to second panel 104 along second side 120 ofstructure 100. Additionally, method 500 comprises coupling each of rows208 of braces 200 to first spar 126 and second spar 128. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 40 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 40 includes the subject matter of any ofexamples 37-40, above.

Coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to first panel 102 andsecond panel 104 encloses structure 100, for example, along first side118 and second side 120 of structure 100, respectively, and addsrigidity to structure 100. Coupling row 208 of braces 200 to first spar126 and second spar 128 prevents movement of row 208 of braces 200 andadds rigidity and load bearing capabilities to structure 100.

As one example, coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104 is performed after all of braces 200 havebeen geometrically interlocked with stringer pairs A of first stringers106 and stringer pairs B of second stringers 108, any braces 200 havebeen coupled to other braces 200, any rows 208 of braces 200 have beeninstalled, array 212 of rows 208 of braces 200 have been installed,and/or hermetic seal 134 has been formed.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 7, and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 13 (Blocks 516), method 500 further comprises coupling a first oneof two end braces 210 to one of braces 200 of one of rows 208 of braces200. Method 500 also comprises coupling a second one of two end braces210 to another one of braces 200 of the one of rows 208 of braces 200.Additionally, method 500 comprises coupling the first one of two endbraces 210 to first spar 126 and coupling the second one of two endbraces 210 to second spar 128. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 41 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 41 includes the subject matter of example 40, above.

Coupling one of two end braces 210 between row 208 of braces 200 andeach one of first spar 126 and second spar 128 interconnects row 208 ofbraces 200 and first spar 126 and second spar 128 to prevent movement ofrow 208 of braces 200 and add rigidity and load bearing capabilities tostructure 100.

As one example, coupling each one of two end braces 210 to one of braces200 of one of rows 208 of braces 200 is performed prior to couplingfirst spar 126 and second spar 128 to first panel 102 and second panel104. As one example, coupling one of two end braces 210 to first spar126 and coupling another one of two end braces 210 to second spar 128 isperformed after coupling first spar 126 and second spar 128 to firstpanel 102 and second panel 104. As one example, first spar 126 includesfirst access openings 172 and second spar 128 includes second accessopenings 174, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. As one example, firstaccess openings 172 are disposed through wall portion 152 of first spar126 proximate first spar flanges 130 and second access openings 174 aredisposed through wall portion 152 of second spar 128 proximate secondspar flanges 132. First access openings 172 and second access openings174 are configured (e.g., suitably sized and/or shaped) to provideaccess for coupling each of two end braces 210 to first spar 126 andsecond spar 128. As one example, the robot with a suitable end effectoris inserted through one of first access openings 172 or one of secondaccess openings 174 to couple one of two end braces 210 to one of firstspar flanges 130 or one of second spar flanges 132.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-7, and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 13 (Block 518), method 500 further comprises arranging rows 208 ofbraces 200 in array 212 extending in longitudinal direction 122 betweenfirst end 114 and second end 116 of structure 100. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 42 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 42 includes the subject matter of any ofexamples 40 or 41, above.

Arranging rows 208 of braces 200 in array extending in longitudinaldirection 122 appropriately positions and maintains first panel 102relative to second panel 104 along longitudinal direction.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, and particularly to, e.g., FIG.13 (Block 520), method 500 further comprises applying hermetic seal 134between two of rows 208 of braces 200 and first panel 102, second panel104, first stringers 106, second stringers 108, first spar 126, andsecond spar 128. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 43 of the present disclosure, wherein example 43includes the subject matter of example 42, above.

Applying hermetic seal 134 between at least two of rows 208 of braces200 and first panel 102, second panel 104, first stringers 106, secondstringers 108, first spar 126, and second spar 128 tightly closes andunites the at least two of rows 208 of braces 200 and first panel 102,second panel 104, first stringers 106, second stringers 108, first spar126, and second spar 128.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, and particularly to, e.g., FIG.13 (Block 522), method 500 further comprises applying hermetic seal 134between braces 200 of the two of rows 208 of braces 200. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 44 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 44 includes the subject matter of example43, above.

Applying hermetic seal 134 between braces 200 of at least two of rows208 of braces 200 tightly closes and unites braces 200 of the at leasttwo of rows 208 of braces 200.

As one example, the automated system, for example, a robot, isconfigured to apply hermetic seal 134 between at least two of rows 208of braces 200 and first panel 102, second panel 104, first stringers106, second stringers 108, first spar 126, and second spar 128 and/orbetween braces 200 of at least two of rows 208 of braces 200, forexample, to form sealed compartment 168 (FIG. 6).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, 7, 11, and 12, and particularly to,e.g., FIG. 13 (Block 524), method 500 further comprises adhesivelybonding one of braces 200 to one of stringer pairs A of first stringers106 and to one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 45 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 45 includes the subject matterof any of examples 35-44, above.

Adhesively bonding at least one of braces 200 to at least one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 constrains the at least one of braces 200 in a directionparallel to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108.

As one example, the automated system, for example, a robot, isconfigured to adhesively bond at least one of braces 200 to at least oneof stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, 7, 11 and 12, and particularly to,e.g., FIG. 13 (Block 526), method 500 further comprises mechanicallycoupling one of braces 200 to one of stringer pairs A of first stringers106 and to one of stringer pairs B of second stringers 108. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 46 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 46 includes the subject matterof any of examples 35-45, above.

Mechanically coupling at least one of braces 200 to at least one ofstringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B of secondstringers 108 constrains the at least one of braces 200 in a directionparallel to first stringers 106 and second stringers 108.

As one example, the automated system, for example, a robot, isconfigured to mechanically couple at least one of braces 200 to at leastone of stringer pairs A of first stringers 106 and stringer pairs B ofsecond stringers 108.

Examples of the present disclosure may be described in the context ofaircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 as shown in FIG. 16 andaircraft 1102 as shown in FIG. 17. During pre-production, illustrativemethod 1100 may include specification and design block 1104 of aircraft1102 and material procurement block 1106. During production, componentand subassembly manufacturing block 1108 and system integration block1110 of aircraft 1102 may take place. Thereafter, aircraft 1102 may gothrough certification and delivery block 1112 to be placed in serviceblock 1114. While in service, aircraft 1102 may be scheduled for routinemaintenance and service block 1116. Routine maintenance and service mayinclude modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one ormore systems of aircraft 1102.

Each of the processes of illustrative method 1100 may be performed orcarried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operatore.g., a customer. For the purposes of this description, a systemintegrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraftmanufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party mayinclude, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, militaryentity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 17, aircraft 1102 produced by illustrative method 1100may include airframe 1118 with a plurality of high-level systems 1120and interior 1122. Examples of high-level systems 1120 include one ormore of propulsion system 1124, electrical system 1126, hydraulic system1128, and environmental system 1130. Any number of other systems may beincluded. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principlesdisclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as theautomotive industry, the marine industry, the construction industry,civil engineering or military applications and the like. Accordingly, inaddition to aircraft 1102, the principles disclosed herein may apply toother vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles,etc. or other structures, e.g., prefabricated enclosures, temporarybridges, etc.

Apparatuses and methods shown or described herein may be employed duringany one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method1100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing block 1108 may be fabricated ormanufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies producedwhile aircraft 1102 is in service block 1114. Also, one or more examplesof the apparatuses, methods, or combination thereof may be utilizedduring production stages 1108 and 1110, for example, by substantiallyexpediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft 1102. Similarly,one or more examples of the apparatus or method realizations, or acombination thereof, may be utilized, for example and withoutlimitation, while aircraft 1102 is in service block 1114 and/or duringmaintenance and service block 1116.

Different examples of the apparatuses and methods disclosed hereininclude a variety of components, features, and functionalities. Itshould be understood that the various examples of the apparatuses andmethods disclosed herein may include any of the components, features,and functionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatuses andmethods disclosed herein in any combination, and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Many modifications of examples set forth herein will come to mind to oneskilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific examples illustrated and that modificationsand other examples are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and theassociated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in thecontext of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/orfunctions, it should be appreciated that different combinations ofelements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementationswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presentedfor illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in thepresent disclosure.

1. A structure (100) comprising: a first panel (102); first stringers(106), coupled to the first panel (102) and comprising stringer pairs A;a second panel (104) opposite the first panel (102); second stringers(108), coupled to the second panel (104) and opposite the firststringers (106), wherein the second stringers (108) comprise stringerpairs B; and braces (200), wherein each of the braces (200) isgeometrically interlocked with one of the stringer pairs A of the firststringers (106) and one of the stringer pairs B of the second stringers(108) in all directions along a plane (112) perpendicular to the firststringers (106) and the second stringers (108).
 2. The structure (100)of claim 1, wherein each of the braces (200) comprises: a chassis (202)comprising first interlocks (204) and second interlocks (206) oppositethe first interlocks (204), wherein the first interlocks (204) aregeometrically engaged with one of the stringer pairs A of the firststringers (106) and the second interlocks (206) are geometricallyengaged with one of the stringer pairs B of the second stringers (108).3-7. (canceled)
 8. The structure (100) of claim 2, further comprising: afirst end (114) and a second end (116) opposed to the first end (114);and a first side (118) and a second side (120) opposed to the first side(118), wherein: the first stringers (106) and the second stringers (108)extend in a longitudinal direction (122) between the first end (114) andthe second end (116), the braces (200) comprise rows (208) of the braces(200), each of the rows (208) of the braces (200) extends in a lateraldirection 124 between the first side (118) and the second side (120),the rows (208) are arranged in an array (212) extending in thelongitudinal direction (122) between the first end (114) and the secondend (116), and each of the rows (208) of the braces (200) comprises atleast one of the braces (200).
 9. The structure (100) of claim 8,wherein one of the braces (200) of each of the rows (208) of the braces(200) is coupled to another one of the braces (200) laterally adjacentto the at least one of the braces (200).
 10. The structure (100) ofclaim 8, further comprising: a first spar (126) coupled to the firstpanel (102) and the second panel (104) along the first side (118) of thestructure (100); and a second spar (128) coupled to the first panel(102) and the second panel (104) along the second side (120) of thestructure (100), wherein each of the rows (208) of the braces (200) iscoupled to the first spar (126) and the second spar (128).
 11. Thestructure (100) of claim 10 further comprising two end braces (210),wherein: one of the two end braces (210) is coupled to one of the braces(200) of one of the rows (208) of the braces (200) and another one ofthe two end braces (210) is coupled to another one of the braces (200)of the one of the rows (208), and a first one of the two end braces(210) is coupled to the first spar (126) and a second one of the two endbraces (210) is coupled to the second spar (128).
 12. The structure(100) of claim 11, wherein: the first spar (126) comprises first sparflanges (130) and the second spar (128) comprises second spar flanges(132), and the first one of the two end braces (210) is joined to one ofthe first spar flanges (130) of the first spar (126) and the second oneof the two end braces (210) is joined to one of the second spar flanges(132) of the second spar (128). 13-14. (canceled)
 15. The structure(100) of claim 2, wherein: each of the braces (200) further comprises: afirst end (214) and a second end (216) opposite the first end (214); afirst side (218) extending between the first end (214) and the secondend (214) and a second side (220) extending between the first end (214)and the second end (214) opposite the first side (218); two firstcorners (222) adjacent the first end (214); and two second corners (224)adjacent the second end (216); a first one of the first interlocks (204)is located at one of the two first corners (222) of each of the braces(200) and a second one of the first interlocks (204) is located atanother one of the two first corners (222) of each of the braces (200);and a first one of the second interlocks (206) is located at one of thetwo second corners (224) of each of the braces (200) and the second oneof the second interlocks (206) is located at another one of the twosecond corners (224) of each of the braces (200).
 16. The structure(100) of claim 15, wherein each of the braces (200) further comprises: afirst brace flange (226) along the first side (218) of each of thebraces (200); and a second brace flange (228) along the second side(220) of each of the braces (200), wherein the first brace flange (226)of one of the braces (200) is joined to the second brace flange (228) ofanother one of the braces (200).
 17. (canceled)
 18. The structure (100)of claim 2, wherein: one of the first interlocks (204) comprises a firstinterlock surface (232) at least partially defining a first interlockgeometric shape and one of the second interlocks (206) comprises asecond interlock surface (234) at least partially defining a secondinterlock geometric shape, one of the first stringers (106) comprises afirst stringer surface (136) at least partially defining a firststringer geometric shape complementary to the first interlock geometricshape and one of the second stringers (108) comprises a second stringersurface (138) at least partially defining a second stringer geometricshape complementary to the second interlock geometric shape, the firstinterlock surface (232) of the one of the first interlocks (204)contacts the first stringer surface (136) of the one of the firststringers (106), and the second interlock surface (234) of the one ofthe second interlocks (206) contacts the second stringer surface (138)of the one of the second stringers (108).
 19. The structure (100) ofclaim 18, wherein: at least a portion of the first interlock surface(232) of the one of the first interlocks (204) is adhesively bonded toat least a portion of the first stringer surface (136) of the one of thefirst stringers (106), and at least a portion of the second interlocksurface (234) of the one of the second interlocks (206) is adhesivelybonded to at least a portion of the second stringer surface (138) of theone of the second stringers (108).
 20. The structure (100) of claim 18,wherein: the one of the first stringers (106) comprises: a first foot(140) defining a first portion I of the first stringer surface (136); afirst web (142) projecting from the first foot (140) and defining asecond portion I of the first stringer surface (136); and a first crown(144) located at an end of the first web (142) and defining a thirdportion I of the first stringer surface (136); and the one of the secondstringers (108) comprises: a second foot (146) defining a first portionII of the second stringer surface (138); a second web (148) projectingfrom the second foot (146) and defining a second portion II of thesecond stringer surface (138); and a second crown (150) located at anend of the second web (148) and defining a third portion II of thesecond stringer surface (138). 21-25. (canceled)
 26. The structure (100)of claim 2, wherein at least one of the braces (200) is adhesivelybonded to at least one of the stringer pairs A of the first stringers(106) and the stringer pairs B of the second stringers (108). 27-33.(canceled)
 34. A method (500) for manufacturing a structure (100)comprising a first panel (102) and a second panel (104), the method(500) comprising interconnecting the first panel (102) and the secondpanel (104) by geometrically interlocking stringer pairs A of firststringers (106), coupled to the first panel (102), with stringer pairs Bof second stringers (108), coupled to the second panel (104), in alldirections along a plane (112) perpendicular to the first stringers(106) and the second stringers (108).
 35. The method (500) of claim 34,further comprising geometrically interlocking braces (200) with thestringer pairs A of the first stringers (106) and the stringer pairs Bof the second stringers (108).
 36. The method (500) of claim 35, furthercomprising geometrically engaging first interlocks (204) of each of thebraces (200) with one of the stringer pairs A of the first stringers(106) and geometrically engaging second interlocks (206) of each of thebraces (200) with one of the stringer pairs B of the second stringers(108).
 37. The method (500) of claim 35, further comprisinggeometrically interlocking each of the braces (200) with one of thestringer pairs A of the first stringers (106) and one of the stringerpairs B of the second stringers (108) to form rows (208) of braces(200).
 38. (canceled)
 39. The method (500) of claim 37, furthercomprising coupling one of the braces (200) of one of the rows (208) ofthe braces (200) to another one of the braces (200) of the one of therows (208) of the braces (200).
 40. The method (500) of claim 37,further comprising: coupling a first spar (126) to the first panel (102)and to the second panel (104) along a first side (118) of the structure(100); coupling a second spar (128) to the first panel (102) and to thesecond panel (104) along a second side (120) of the structure (100); andcoupling each of the rows (208) of the braces (200) to the first spar(126) and the second spar (128). 41-46. (canceled)
 47. The structure(100) of claim 2, further comprising: a first end (114) and a second end(116) opposed to the first end (114); and a first side (118) and asecond side (120) opposed to the first side (118), wherein: the firststringers (106) and the second stringers (108) extend in a longitudinaldirection (122) between the first end (114) and the second end (116),the braces (200) forming at least one row (208) of the braces (200)extending in a lateral direction (124) between the first side (118) andthe second side (120), and the row (208) of the braces (200) comprisesat least two of the braces (200).